Rating: 
Summary: Wonderful ROMANTIC FANTASY!
Review: If you like movies like "Somewhere in Time" (also by Universal) you'll love the intensity and beauty of this masterpiece. It has a pace that allows you to appreciate the dialog between characters and pick up on the humorous banter sprinkled throughout the movie.Overall this is a feel good movie. Along the way, you feel almost every kind of emotion possible: fear, mystery, sadness, romance, humor, celebration. Even though it's a fantasy, it does present a storyline having several sources of conflict. The story isn't necessarily meant to be realistic, but builds on the theme that death is experiencing several aspects of human life. Some of it wonderful and some of it not so great. There are plenty of details that may not seem realistic or likely. The story is best enjoyed if you appreciate what is done well (which most of it is) and not dismiss the movie for what may be lacking. Some viewers may be expecting a movie about dying and afterlife. However, that's not the focus in "Meet Joe Black". It's about death experiencing life while on vacation in a "borrowed body". The fact that Joe is death and only temporarily in Susan's life is what makes for the main plot and conflict. Bill must not reveal Joe's identity or all bets are off. Brad Pitt's portrayal of Joe (as death) having several first time life experiences is what makes the story special. The movie starts out a little slow with bits of the story coming together. After meeting Joe Black, the story unfolds. As the movie gets closer to the end there are some interesting twists to the story that make it hilarious (Hopkins and Pitt do a great comedy routine!), but also presents a powerful conflict between the two. When Joe meets Bill he is concerned if he "blends in". For a few days, it's obvious that he doesn't blend in all that well. He learns quickly that imitating others is the way to go even if it's out of place at times. This keeps the movie entertaining. He also interprets everything literally so some of his quips come out quite funny. Later on in the movie, he takes a question literally but turns it into something beautiful. Susan asks him to tell her that he loves her now. He responds with, "I love you now... I'll love you always". WOW! A lovely scene and intensly romantic. The music in this movie is great. It alone makes the movie worth 3 stars. The acting is intense. Forlani is wonderful as Susan and Hopkins delivers a sensational performance as her firm but loving father. Brad Pitt has the most difficult part as death. How does anyone know what that character should act like? His emotions are diverse. Cold at first, then loving and romantic. Before the movie ends he's experiencing tears (of sadness and joy?) Some people commented that he was like a robot and his facial gestures were forced. I bought the who act as the way death might respond if put in this situation. Pitt's acting is full range: discomfort, joy, pleasure, anger, laughter, nice guy, tough guy, assertive, sensitive, shy, embarassed. This has got to be Brad Pitt's best acting yet. Job well done, Brad!
Rating: 
Summary: Oh for goodness' sake. . . .
Review: Gaseous, gaseous, gaseous. Nothing but bloat, nothing but air. No substance, no sense of realism within the story's own context (why isn't Brad, when brought back to life, a mangled quadriplegic?), subplots with exactly NO suspense (when is Hollywood going to learn that leveraged buyouts do not a compelling story make?). Everyone speaks in hushed tones -- barely audible monotony. I kept having to turn up the stereo just to hear the palaver. I noticed that the Amazon reviewer, in his review, kept saying things like "If you stick with it" and "You will be rewarded for your patience." A great film, my friends, pays off in every frame. This film was (rightly) panned when it arrived last year; there's no need to get all revisionist about it.
Rating:
Summary: Romantic Drama Heaven!
Review: I cannot believe I waited this long to see this movie. I am a huge Brad Pitt fan, but I was a little reluctant to see it because of all the critic bashing it received. Had I decided to indefinitely put it aside, I would have robbed myself of one of the best movies I have ever seen. Regarding Brad Pitt: for anyone who appreciates the beauty of this actor, this is a must see movie, whether or not you give a rat's tail about the story. The movie's slow pacing was successful at creating a suspenseful climate that had me holding my breath for each subsequent syllable spoken. As I felt the end of the movie nearing, I was thinking to myself (tears streaming down my face) that the only thing that could spoil this movie would be an ending that left things unresolved. I am happy to say that the ending did nothing of the sort. Like a nice fat spoonful of peanut butter, it left me satisfied and inspired. Okay, so peanut butter doesn't exactly inspire (at least not me), but Meet Joe Black most certainly did.
Rating:
Summary: Very artistic movie -- a true CLASSIC!
Review: Do you appreciate art and a little fantasy? Impressionistic paintings -- not just seascapes, mountain scenes, and clowns. Check out MJB! It's obvious to me that this is an excellent movie. It has so many elements: drama, romance, comedy, intrigue. Wonderful acting, an interesting story with lots of twists, captivating cinematography, and beautiful music make this one a WINNER in every sense. So why did the critics overlook this artful masterpiece? They're trained to look into movies not just sit back and be entertained. Critics often steer us toward movies that only they can appreciate and now they're turning us away from jewels like Meet Joe Black. Why so many people give the movie 5 stars and a few give it only one is a mystery. It easy to let yourself to be totally engrossed in this film and lose track of reality for 3 hours. For some reason the length of the movie is considered a negative thing. I can't imagine where an editor or director could possibly trim this movie without losing out on the story. I think Brad Pitt has a lot to do with people's reaction to the movie. Some drool, some recognize his talent, and some dismiss him as merely a heartthrob to the ladies. I've seen bits from a few of Pitt's movies on TV, but never really got into the story, his character or paid attention to his acting talent. I bought the DVD ($19) in spite of Pitt being one of the lead characters. I expected that Hopkins would provide a top notch performance and I was very curious about the story. Well Brad has matured as an actor... In this movie he plays opposite Hopkins and holds his own quite well. What a confident syle! I also appreciated his comic side (the first I recall seeing him doing funny parts since the brief bit he did with Gena Davis in Thelma and Louise). This guy has so much charisma that he's immediately likeable even as death. The interaction between he and Claire Forlani is wonderful. It makes you believe that love like this really does happen. Another point that people seem to dislike is that some parts of the movie seem unbelievable. Well it is a fantasy - just like science fiction is just fiction. Most movies have some element that is not genuine even non-fictional accounts of real life stories. I say look beyond it and let yourself appreciate the artistic style, fantasy and beauty that it presents. After all.. the movie is trying to entertain you so you can escape from reality for a while. My favorite scenes from the movie: Coffee shop - charm Meet Joe for the first time - intrigue Peanut butter scene and poolside - comedy Board meeting - offbeat Hospital talk with Jamaican woman - insight (loved the island accent - what a kick!) Hopkins talking about his wife - tenderness First kiss - desire Poolside romance - passionate emotion and beauty Debate with Bill over what love is - conflict Kiss goodbye to Susan at the party - emotion ("thank you for loving me") Joe & Bill "have a talk" with Drew - banter Party and Fireworks - celebration The most beautiful scene in the movie is the "first time experience" - Pitt and Forlani making love. The sideways silouette of them embracing half nude with windows behind is awesome. In the rest of the scene they are luminescent. Close up faces show so much passion, like no other scene I've ever seen in a movie. This is so tastefully done. The words that follow are perfect. Obviously, if you're not into romantic movies, skip this one -- it's not for you.
Rating:
Summary: Unique story about love and human nature.
Review: It was great, very touching
Rating:
Summary: Outstanding movie - Brad Pitt is AWESOME!
Review: The photography is excellent and the soundtrack is absolutely beautiful on this 3 hour DVD. It's a highly emotional romantic drama, but also has it's humorous moments, thanks to Brad Pitt's style of delivery. I've read that this is the most expensive non-special effects movie ever made. The scenes are set in lavish surroundings at the country estate and the Manhattan penthouse. According to the comments on the DVD by cast and director, over one hundred takes went into some of the scenes and the fireworks display was shot over a period of a week - so lots of bucks up in smoke - but the result is amazing! I wish more movies were made with such polish and attention to detail. The movie starts out chatty like any other movie, but then when Joe Black is introduced, the dialog becomes minimal and body language, eyes, and facial gestures are used to convey what is not spoken. It's an interesting style that allows the music to have more impact rather than compete with dialog. It gives you time to absorb more of the scene -- you actually feel the emotion being conveyed. A passive viewer may not appreciate this approach, but it definitely adds to the intrigue and mystery of the story. Some questions that are proposed to Joe (Death) are not aswered and the viewer must speculate as to an appropriate response. Hopkins is sensational as he executes a smooth performance. Claire Forlani is beautifully sensuous and intelligent with such an emotional performance. Then there's Brad Pitt... A departure from his past acting roles, (which have been highly regarded) -- usually some sort of violent or despicable character. Here, Brad plays a well spoken, sophisticated well groomed character who could charm anyone with his manner. He has a soft-spoken style that is occasionally displaced with a more assertive voice when he reassures Bill that he is in control of his situation. His verbal interaction is even more terse than the other actors. Often times intiating or responding to questions with a single word. It keeps the mystery going with so much left unsaid. His initial introduction to Bill (Hopkins) is cold and terrifying. He looks like "a kid in a suit" as Hopkins puts it. But "Joe" makes it clear that "nothing is negotiable". The way Pitt says it is frightening. Throughout the rest of the movie, the romance with Susan builds and the intensity between these two (Pitt and Forlani) is incredible. This aspect of Pitt's acting should be exposed more often in movies! He projects a sensitive, tender, and loving character... also a little embarrased and shy. So much for that bad boy image, Brad!
Rating:
Summary: GREAT Movie!
Review: I really enjoyed this movie. It was worth going and seeing. And worth to rent over and over again. Brad Pitt was perfect for th part of Joe Black. I totally reccommend this movie to anyone which enjoys romantic/drama movies, with a touch of comedy.
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful movie!!!
Review: This movie was absolutely wonderful! The acting was great--Brad Pitt's acting was unjustly attacked by many. This movie brought out emotions that few movies have in the past couple of years. The movie did not seem 3 hours long. definitely a new favorite. IGNORE THE CRITICS! I also recomment the soundtrack. It is absolutely wonderful..esp. song #6.
Rating:
Summary: Sorely underrated, a MUST-SEE!
Review: A beautiful movie that touches on life, love, and relationships. You'll hardly notice the time going by... that's how good movies are, I believe. I now count it as one of my current favorites, along with "Good Will Hunting." If you want a movie that will make you think and appreciate what life and love has to offer, then this is definitely a must-see!
Rating:
Summary: i loved it
Review: I loved these movie couse it was every thing i like in a movie. romans, intertament, and up to date ways and i hope that you can love these movie to. And the Actor was great and thay did a great job.
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